Harz

The Harz is a mountain range in northern Germany, spanning parts of Saxony-Anhalt, Lower Saxony, and Thuringia. It forms the northern edge of the German Central Uplands and extends roughly 110 kilometers from the Brocken in the north to the Harz Foreland in the south. The range’s highest peak is the Brocken, at 1,141 meters above sea level.

Geology and landscape features a central granite massif dominates the Harz, with surrounding metamorphic rocks and varied terrain. The landscape comprises forested ridges, rocky outcrops, and high moorlands, producing a stark, seasonally varied environment. The climate is influenced by Atlantic weather patterns, bringing relatively heavy precipitation and periodic snow in winter.

Protected areas and heritage notable elements include the Harz National Park, established in 1990 to safeguard large forested areas, moorlands, and wildlife in the central Harz. The western and southern Harz have long-standing mining cultures, most famously the Rammelsberg mines near Goslar. The Upper Harz Water Regale, a historic system of ditches, reservoirs, and sluices used for mining, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region also contains well-preserved medieval towns and cultural landscapes.

Tourism and transport The Harz is a popular destination for hiking, winter sports, and sightseeing. The Harzer Schmalspurbahnen narrow-gauge railways operate steam and diesel services, including routes to the Brocken. Towns such as Wernigerode, Quedlinburg, and Goslar serve as gateways for visitors and offer examples of medieval and early modern architecture.

Flora and fauna Forests are predominantly coniferous and mixed broadleaf, with wildlife including red deer, wild boar, and, since the 2010s, reintroduced Eurasian lynx.